Everything to Know About Adult Invisible Braces

Nowadays, there are a handful of options when it comes to adult invisible braces. Gone are the days when people had no choice but to wear bulky metal braces that can sometimes look more like a TV antenna than a dental device. A mouthful of unattractive metal brackets and braces is no longer a part of getting a revitalized smile and straight teeth.

The condition of a person's teeth is an important part of their appearance given the fact it is one of the first things others notice during interactions. A mouthful of crooked, poorly-aligned teeth can lower a person's confidence and self-esteem.

What are clear braces?

Patients who opt for clear braces will receive a number of aligning trays that should each be worn for around two weeks. Each tray in the series pushes the patient's teeth a bit closer to the desired position. It does this by constantly applying pressure on the wearer's teeth, just as is the case when traditional metal braces are used for orthodontic treatments.

Unfortunately, not all alignment issues can be treated with clear braces. Some more serious issues require the use of traditional metal braces. These include:

• Crooked teeth
• Overjet
• Widely spaced or crowded teeth

Who can use adult invisible braces?

Clear braces are designed for teenagers and adults. They are not recommended for anyone who still has primary teeth. Children who need orthodontic treatments are typically advised to go with traditional metal braces.

One of the primary reasons why clear braces are often recommended for older teenagers and adults is the fact they trays used for treatment need to be worn for at least 22 hours a day. Most children will have a hard time sticking to that timetable. The trays can easily be lost when taken out, making it less than optimal for young patients who might have not yet developed the disciplined needed to use clear braces successfully.

Types of adult invisible braces

Clear braces

This is the most common type of invisible braces. The patient uses clear aligner trays to push their teeth into the proper position gradually. Clear braces can be easily removed for meals and cleaning sessions, but they should be worn for at least 22 hours each day to be effective.

Ceramic braces

Ceramic braces are not exactly invisible, but they are hard to notice in the wearer's mouth. Instead of having metal brackets (as is the case with traditional metal braces), these devices come with brackets that are made from tooth-colored ceramics. Instead of having visible metal wires, ceramic braces often come with transparent wires that are virtually impossible to detect.

Inside braces

Here is another subtle option when it comes to orthodontic treatments. These devices are a lot like traditional metal braces, with one major difference: the brackets and wires are attached to the internal-facing side of the tooth instead of the external-facing side. This makes it harder to detect that the person is using an orthodontic device.

Explore the possible options

Call (661) 249-1122 today to reach Brimhall Dental Group.